WAYNE ROONEY has snubbed Jose Mourinho and decided to resolve his differences with Manchester United.

His decision is a huge coup for new manager David Moyes, who has defiantly refused to consider selling the England striker from the moment he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson in May.

Following Monday’s goalless draw between the clubs at Old Trafford, Chelsea manager Mourinho gave Rooney 48 hours to end the summer-long transfer saga and make up his mind whether he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge.

He was effectively asking him to submit a written transfer request to force the issue and pave the way for a third offer from Chelsea.

But, by mid-morning yesterday, Rooney had given his answer, with his representatives informing Chelsea and the media he would not be submitting a written transfer request.

Mourinho admitted he feared the worst on Monday evening after Rooney responded to a show of remarkable support from United’s crowd by producing an impressive performance.

Skipper Nemanja Vidic was not surprised at the positive crowd reaction to Rooney

I think Wayne has a positive mind at the moment. His performance said enough. I was very pleased with his performance and with the reaction from the crowd. I didn’t think it was unexpected. I expected it

David Moyes

Rooney is understood to have accepted United’s not-for-sale stance a fortnight ago, has buckled down in training and made his peace with team-mates.

Moyes’ decision to invite the players and their partners out for dinner – Rooney and wife Coleen included – for a ‘team-bonding’ exercise last week helped break the ice.

And Rooney’s fears of a crowd backlash were swept away during the draw with Chelsea when United fans constantly chanted his name.

Moyes said: “I think Wayne has a positive mind at the moment. His performance said enough. I was very pleased with his performance and with the reaction from the crowd. I didn’t think it was unexpected. I expected it.”

But next summer Rooney will have only one season left on his five-year contract and United will have to either offer him a new deal or sell him to avoid him leaving as a free agent in 2015.

Mourinho has lost out in his quest for Rooney

Ed Woodward, United’s new chief executive, has already ruled out contract talks starting before the end of the season.

United skipper Nemanja Vidic said he was not surprised at the positive crowd reaction to Rooney.

“The fans have always supported the players,” said Vidic. “Wayne is no different.

“He has scored so many goals and won so many trophies, I expected him to receive a good reception.”

United have dismissed suggestions they are to enter the bidding for Gareth Bale amid reports Tottenham have told them he will cost £125m. They enquired about Bale earlier in the summer but now accept the player is set on joining Real Madrid.